5 reasons Hong Kong shopping is better than ever

Though I'm a native of the city, I'm not biased -- it's statistically proven.

In Global Blue's first "Global Shopper Index" for the Asia Pacific region, Hong Kong bested other major cities including Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, to top the list as the city with the best shopping.

Next time you're in town, check out the following places and reasons why the service, setting and stuff on sale in Hong Kong are all worth bragging about.

1. Money buys cool - LAB Concept

Style can be extracted from vending machines at LAB Concept. Just because.

2. Custom tailoring has come full circle - The Armoury, Moustache

Hong Kong was once full of expert Shanghainese tailors who could do a quick turnaround on decent suits.

These days, the masters have retired and people don't appreciate custom tailoring as much when they can pick up fast fashion.

A handful of boutiques are bucking the trend, bringing back custom tailoring to Hong Kong for a new generation of the sartorially-obsessed.

The Armoury is exemplary with its tightly curated range of mostly European menswear and accessories. Come here for the suit with the perfect fit or that pair of boardroom-appropriate-yet-eye-catching cuff links.

Everything about The Armoury is classic and grown up, from its location in the elegant colonial-era Pedder Building to its selection of Fox Umbrellas with whangee handles. See co-founder Alan See's website for their Euro-dandy-in-Asia feel.

For its custom tailor partnership, The Armoury works with WW Chan, a reputable Hong Kong tailor, as well as European stitchers. Prices begin at US$1,300.

Alternatively, there's Moustache, a small tailoring shop in Soho that specializes in flattering cuts with idiosyncratic details personalized to each customer.

3. Chic Cathay clichés abound - Shanghai Tang

Traditional Chinese clothing is borderline costume, but some places get it right and offer all the beauty and quality of traditional design without turning us into a Halloween disaster.

Shanghai Tang is the ambassador of modern Chinese chic. Founded in Hong Kong in 1994, the brand is known for its use of bright colors and Chinese silhouettes.

It's flamboyant but wearable, and unmistakably Chinese.

The three-story flagship store in Hong Kong is a mansion of old China aesthetics brought into the 21st century. The shop also offers custom tailoring service and a range of homeware.

If Shanghai Tang is a little too bold, there's Fang Fong, where the Chinese touches are subtle.

Hong Kong-bred Wu Lai-fan also does custom tailoring at her shops.

You can always go all the way and throw back to the 1950s with a full-on cheongsam made at Linva. The tailors reputedly dressed Maggie Cheung in her iconic dresses in Wong Kar-wai's "In the Mood for Love."

4. Hong Kong's indie crowd has its own shop - Daydream Nation

Daydream Nation is the place to see the work of up-and-coming local designers and getting a feel for Hong Kong's indie culture.

The fashion label has adopted the second floor of the Hong Kong Arts Centre as its home, transforming it with circus-themed props and decor.

The clothes are whimsical, slightly theatrical, the accessories are trend-setting and statement-making -- last year's grand feather collars are a fab example.

Daydream Nation also sell their friends' creations at the shop, and their friends are all of Hong Kong's hot young creatives. Look out for leather goods from Fungus Workshop, ZOEE accessories, bags by Hoiming and a selection of albums from Hong Kong's best indie bands.

5. Curated craftsmanship is hot - Kapok

The brains behind the curated collection at Kapok is Arnault Castel, a Frenchman with impeccable taste. His boutiques bring the world's fashion-insider labels to our doorstep.

Castel falls in love with the best (but not necessarily best known) fashion, accessories and publications, then brings them to his Hong Kong stores. The shops are filled with products that emphasize craftsmanship, quality and creativity.

Items come from everywhere -- Denmark to the United States to our own backyard.